Next Meeting of the Parish Council – Wed 11th September 2024
/in General News /by ClerkThe next meeting is due to be held at Loder Hall on the 11th September 2024.
The agenda can be viewed here.
Maidwell-Being – Next Event 14th September, 10-12noon
/in General News /by ClerkMaidwell-Being
Our next meeting will be at the Loder Hall on Saturday September 14th between 10am and 12pm
Produce Swap – Bring your excess veggies/fruit for to share !
We will have a representative from the West Northants Sustainability team with information and “How Bad Are Bananas” game – The Big Carbon Footprint Game
Tech support.
Rita the Refill Van, from Refill Revolution at the EcoVillage Market Harborough
Visit the website to find out more !
(https://www.refillrevolution.co.uk/ritasroute)
Tea , coffee and cakes as always
See you there !
August Newsletter from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
/in General News /by ClerkThe latest newsletter from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner can be downloaded here
August Arts & Culture News
/in General News /by Clerk
|
|||
|
|||
Personal Appearance by JJ Adams at Bloom Fine Art |
|||
Bloom Fine Art are delighted to announce that the celebrated UK artist JJ Adams will be making a special appearance on 7 September. From 12pm to 3pm, art enthusiasts and fans alike will have the unique opportunity to meet JJ Adams in person. JJ Adams has garnered a stellar reputation for his distinctive fusion of pop art and contemporary styles. His vibrant and dynamic pieces are known for featuring familiar pop culture icons and imagery, presented with a fresh and often provocative twist. This is a fantastic chance to experience his work up close and gain insight into his creative process. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of JJ Adams or new to his captivating art, this event promises to be an inspiring and memorable afternoon. Bloom Fine Art look forward to welcoming you for what is sure to be a highlight of the art calendar! |
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Get Fun & Creative with Polymer Clay |
|||
|
|||
Hang out with fellow polymer clay enthusiasts in Towcester for a fun and creative meet-up! A fun-filled day of creativity at The Sawpits Centre! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone who loves working with polymer clay. Meet fellow clay enthusiasts, swap tips and tricks, and get inspired by others’ creations. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your skills in a welcoming environment.
The British Polymer Clay Guild is delighted to host international artist, Ginger Davis-Allman of The Blue Bottle Tree from the USA on her UK Tour. Get details and your free entry tickets:
Time & Location 11am to 3pm, Saturday 10th August at The Towcester Sawpits Centre, Richmond Road, Towcester NN12 6EX |
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Summer reading challenge for kids |
|||
Children are being urged to fire up their imaginations by taking part in this year’s ‘Marvellous Makers’ Summer Reading Challenge. Taking place at all of our libraries in West Northamptonshire, the event encourages children aged 4-11 to explore new books and stories as well as take part in free activities, from arts and crafts to music, dance, and more. Young artists aged 5-12 are also invited to enter an art competition for a chance to win prizes and see their work on display. |
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Now Open for entries |
|||
Northampton Film Festival Do you have a short or feature length film you’d love to see on the big screen locally? NFF 2025 is now open for entries, accepting short films up to 20 minutes in length, or feature films, ready for the festival in March.
Films can be drama, documentaries, creative commercials, art films, music videos or non-traditional films – there’s categories which suit all film types including categories for young and new filmmakers, and they love a film with a link to Northamptonshire.
Please see https://filmfreeway.com/ |
|||
|
|||
Throughout August @ WNC libraries |
|||
Musical play – A Home for Harmony will visit libraries in West Northamptonshire this August as part of its Summer 2024 Tour.
Written by Renata Allen and produced by the People’s Theatre Collective, the play is created specifically for young children and uses engaging music to inspire emotional resilience and confidence, ensuring families can enjoy the performance while recognising its valuable messages.
The play follows the touching story of Sam, a disabled person, and their loyal assistance dog, Bouncer, whose home is disrupted when a stray cat named Harmony appears on their doorstep and is welcomed into their family. The play is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring accessible elements for audiences with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including sensory and musical components, Makaton sign language, and non-verbal storytelling to ensure that every child can enjoy and engage with the performance.
For more information and to see the full list of tour dates and venues, visit the People’s Theatre Collective’s website. To find your local library and see a list of events, visit the WNC Libraries webpage.
|
|||
|
|||
Saturday 3 August |
|||
Walgrave Village Hall – VIVA FIESTA Fun Day Get ready for an action-packed day of excitement and joy at the Walgave Viva Fiesta Fun Day! Bring your family and friends to enjoy a spectacular array of activities including:
Bouncy Castle: Jump and play to your heart’s content! Animal Encounters: Meet and greet adorable animals.
Time & Location Free Entry, 12pm to 5pm, Walgrave Village Hall and Field, 1 Newland Road, Northampton, NN6 9PZ |
|||
|
|||
Tuesday 6 August |
|||
Summer Storytelling at Brixworth Country Park An unforgettable story telling experience, brought to you by the BB Society and Big Bubble Theatre Company. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of BB’s beloved children’s books, “The Little Grey Men” and “The Badgers of Bearshanks”. Big Bubble Theatre Company will bring the magic of the natural world to life, using captivating story telling!
This event is Suitable for primary ages and features Immersive storytelling, Hosted by actors in character, Fun and enchanting trail, offering an interactive experience.
Time & Location 10.30am to 12.30pm @ Brixworth Country Park, Northampton Road, Brixworth, NN6 9DG Free event (just the cost of parking) |
|||
|
|||
Thursday 8 August |
|||
Mikron Theatre Company – Common Ground: ‘Rambling and our rights of way’ Join Mikron Theatre Company on a ‘hill-arious’ ramble through the history of land access in England. From ze Norman Conquest to loitering in lockdown, via The Mass Trespass at Kinder Scout. The Pendale and District Ramblers are looking forward to celebrating ‘in stile’ on their 50th anniversary walk, but the path has been blocked by the landowner. How will they find their way through? Their quest for freedom and fresh air won’t be easy, as they navigate bulls, beavers, and wandering sheep. Grab your boots and waterproof for a meander with Mikron on a hike through history.
Time & Location Brightwell Recreation Ground off Church Street, Byfield, Daventry, 7pm |
|||
|
|||
Friday 9 to 10 August |
|||
Chacombe Village Hall – Summer Abstract Art Workshop Caroline Chappell is inviting anyone over the age of 16 to make abstract paintings and collages with her. Take along your own equipment or borrow Caroline’s if you choose. All papers will be supplied, although for the collage you might want to take your own personal papers and your own canvas for the final piece.
Take along a table cover, PVA glue and your own coffee cup. Light refreshments will be supplied.
The workshop takes place over two days the 9 to 10 August 10.30am to 3.30pm and costs £150
To book your space and find out more contact: carolinetchappell@googlemail. |
|||
|
|||
Tuesday 13 August |
|||
Rita Ranger Interactive family show – Brixworth Country Park Join Ranger Rita for a 30 minute fun, fact-filled interactive show for all the family. The audience helps Ranger Rita with the animals she meets, including Owl, Otter, Spider, Heron and Bat. You’ll be jumping up and down like a frog, standing on one leg like a heron and practising echolocation like a bat! Will you help Ranger Rita protect and preserve our nature reserves?
Event highlights:
Time & Location Show times: 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm Location: Brixworth Country Park, Northampton Road, Brixworth, NN6 9DG |
|||
|
|||
Friday 16 to 18 August |
|||
Northampton Racecourse – Northampton Balloon Festival But that’s not all – the festival offers a wide range of attractions to enjoy. Delightin the variety of inflatable attractions, perfect for kids and adults alike. Savour delicious festival food from an array of vendors, offering everything from classic fair treats to gourmet delights. Quench your thirst at the well-stocked bars, providing a selection of refreshing beverages. Birds of prey displays and so much more. A day not to be missed. Open from 12pm to 10.30pm each day. |
|||
|
|||
Sunday 26 August |
|||
Everdon Village Green – Everdon Grand Fete For five decades, the Everdon Village Fete has been a celebration of unity, bringing together residents and visitors alike in a vibrant tapestry of stalls, games, and performances. From the laughter of children partaking in sack races to the melodies of local musicians filling the air, each year has woven new threads into the rich fabric of our shared history. The main event kicks of at 2pm on the Village Green on the August Bank Holiday Monday. Daventry NN11 3BL |
|||
|
|||
Coming up at Lamport Hall |
|||
Lamport Hall – Upcoming Events 25th – 26th August – Antiques and Collectors Fair |
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Northants & Rutland Open Studios (NROS) Its bigger than ever! |
|||
This flagship event is the Northants and Rutland Open Studios Visual Arts Festival, renowned as the largest of its kind within the region. Held every September, this festival turns the spotlight onto the artists and their creative process.
This event showcases the talent of over 220 artists across 116 venues throughout Northamptonshire.
Be amazed by the wide variety of media on display. There really is something for every visitor.
|
|||
|
|||
Monday 2 September |
|||
Cordell Garfield – Portrait Painting Demonstration in Oils Cordell Garfield is a Northampton-based oil painter and tutor employing classical techniques in oils with a contemporary feel. Specialising in portraits, figurative works and landscapes he draws inspiration from life drawing, sketches and photography. The demonstration is the first of its kind for Scribble Studio, and offers attendees a unique opportunity to watch and listen as Cordell demonstrates how he creates a portrait painting.
Time & Location
|
|||
|
|||
Saturday 7 September |
|||
Towcester Town Hall – Towcester Handmade Fayre Towcester Handmade Fayre is the place to buy handmade gifts and original artwork, sold directly by the artists and designers who created them. This handmade fayre offers a vibrant, community-centered vibe that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and the joy of handmade goods.
Time & Location Towcester, Town Hall, Towcester NN12 6BS, UK
|
|||
|
|||
Sunday 8 September |
|||
Northampton Music Festival 2024 Taking place in Northampton town centre on 8 September.
A free entry event, featuring a whole genre of music from rock to opera.
Keep checking the website for further details! |
|||
|
|||
Sunday 8 September to Sunday 20 October |
|||
The Heseltine Gallery – Found in the Fields An exhibition of original prints and paintings by Carry Akroyd. Sundays to Fridays, 10am to 4pm, admission is free |
|||
|
|||
Tuesday 10 September |
|||
Yardley Arts – Introduction to watercolour techniques On this six-week course with artist Samantha Brockway you will learn the basics of painting in watercolour and pick up tips and tricks to help you tackle your watercolour painting with confidence.
Times & Location Tuesday, 10 September – Tuesday 15 October, 10.00am – 12.30am |
|||
|
|||
Wednesday 11 September |
|||
Yardley Arts – Linocut cut Printing In this series of 3 workshops, you will be learning multi block method. Over 3 Wednesdays, you will be creating your own colourful (3-4 colours) linocuts using 3 separate vinyl blocks.
Times & Location Wednesday 11 September to Wednesday 25 September, 10.15am to 2pm
Yardley Arts, The Old School Hall, The Square, Yardley Hastings, Northampton, NN7 1EU |
|||
|
|||
Friday 13 September |
|||
Music at Fawsley Hall Part of Fiori Musicali’s summer series 2024 – Elemental Music Fire, Water, Air and Earth. 2024 is the 250th anniversary of Priestley’s discovery of oxygen – the breath of life on earth. This significant anniversary inspires Fiori to create four programmes built around the ancient elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water, as we reflect on the vital necessity of sustaining our beautiful world. the fruits of the Earth
Harvest time and the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ inspire Fiori to perform opulent music from Telemann’s ‘Tafelmusik’, while the contemplation of mother earth suggests a cornucopia of pieces built over a ‘ground’ bass, including Telemann’s haunting Paris quartet in E minor with its powerful concluding chaconne and excerpts from JS Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
Telemann – Paris Quartet in E minor Eva Caballero flute, Gail Hennessy oboe, Kerstin Linder Dewan violin, Poppy Walshaw cello, Penelope Rapson director/harpsichord St Mary the Virgin Church, Fawsley, Northamptonshire, NN11 3BA
|
|||
|
|||
Sunday 15 September |
|||
Northampton’s History and Heritage Half Marathon Run or cheer but do not miss out on the second edition of the Amazing Northampton Run! Take on a tour of everything great in Northampton with a route in the shape of a shoe!
Be one of thousands to experiencing the 13.1 mile closed-road half marathon route through beautiful parks, along the riverside, past great sporting venues and amazing architecture. The date for your diary is the 15 September 2024.
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Saturday 7 September |
|||
WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE TO HOST 2024 LLOYDS BANK TOUR OF BRITAIN MEN’S STAGE West Northamptonshire will welcome Britain’s biggest professional cycle this September, as Northampton plays host to the start and finish of the penultimate stage of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men on Saturday 7 September. Northampton is no stranger to professional cycling, having held women’s Tours of Britain in 2014 and 2016, but this will mark the first occasion that the men’s event has come to Northamptonshire.
After starting in Northampton town centre, the stage will take in a route through West Northamptonshire of around 150 kilometres (93 miles), before heading back to the finish line in Northampton. Follow the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men on X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram
|
|||
|
|||
PLEASE NOTE: the information in these listings is current at the time of issue. Please check with the organisations before attending events |
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Useful websites for events and places to visit: |
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Useful links for arts and culture funding bodies |
|||
The following websites offer a range of information about the funding support available to local groups and organisations:
|
|||
|
Town and Parish Newsletter – July 2024
/in General News /by ClerkPlease find below a link to the latest edition of the Town & Parish Briefing
Speed Data Update – July 2024 – New
/in General News /by ClerkThe latest data is now available to view from the speed signs located outside Loder Hall.
Please visit https://maidwellwithdraughtonparishcouncil.gov.uk/speed-data/ to view all data captured so far.
Summary of Speed Data Collected from Signs – 15.07.24
Southbound – traffic heading towards Northampton.
Northbound – traffic heading towards Market Harborough.
The raw data is collected and entered into an Excel spreadsheet. The tables below are the result of this.
There have been several challenging issues, either with the initial setting of speed limit, software problems ( for about 7 months) data downloading and/or parameters for the speed not being consistent after the software update.
No meaningful data was collected between April 2023 and October 2023 due to a software problem Eventually the company did come out and fix it, but the speed parameters had changed ( 25-29mph, 30-35mph ) so did not collect the data for 30mph and less. The engineer came back out again at the end of March 2024, and changed the parameters ( 22-30mph, 31-38 mph). It is a bigger spread of speeds- up to 38mph, which is why the percentages are higher with the newer data. It should be noted that the average speed in both directions has crept up slightly.
Date | SouthBound
Veh/mth |
%Speeding
>30mph |
%Under
35mph |
Ave speed | NorthBound
Veh/mth |
%Speeding
>30mph |
%Under
35mph |
Avespeed | ||
Nov-22 | 134,832 | 36.08% | 87.83% | 29.54 | 118,210 | 33.56% | 87.89% | 29.80 | ||
Dec-22 | 124,609 | 35.14% | 88.94% | 29.33 | 105,398 | 33.90% | 88.11% | 29.65 | ||
Jan-23 | 124,820 | 33.32% | 89.50% | 29.32 | 108,980 | 30.60% | 89.81% | 29.39 | ||
Feb-23 | 119,252 | 33.95% | 89.26% | 29.40 | 107,159 | 30.75% | 89.73% | 29.39 | ||
Mar-23 | 131,015 | 34.13% | 89.53% | 29.31 | 119,138 | 32.33% | 99.94% | 29.43 | ||
Apr-23 | 130,288 | 35.93% | 88.98% | 29.67 | 114,643 | 33.57% | 88.69% | 29.57 | ||
No dataSoftware
problem |
||||||||||
Newparameters | SouthBound
Veh/mth |
%Speeding
>30mph |
%Under
38mph |
Avespeed | NorthBound
Veh/mth |
%Speeding
>30mph |
%Under
38mph |
Avespeed | ||
April 24 | 134,704 | 42.24% | 93.32% | 31.46 | 128,986 | 45.33% | 91.08% | 32.01 | ||
May-24 | 144,330 | 42.86% | 93.14% | 31.37 | 134,718 | 46.05% | 90.17% | 32.16 | ||
June-24 | 140,262 | 43.66% | 92.71% | 31.44 | 129,170 | 44.95% | 91.05% | 31.68 | ||
Have your say on the draft West Northamptonshire Parks Development Strategy
/in General News /by ClerkPeople are being asked to help shape a strategy setting out how West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) manages and develops its parks and green spaces.
The Council manages around 150 parks and green open spaces across West Northants, including war memorials, and town and country parks.
The new Parks Development Strategy will set out how the Council can protect, develop, and improve these areas in ways that not only enrich residents’ and visitors’ lives, but also the natural environment.
The current version is very much in draft form as we are keen to engage with and hear the thoughts of park users, local businesses, community groups and other stakeholders in order to shape the final document.
Cllr Rebecca Breese, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste said: “We understand the importance that our parks and green spaces play in people’s lives. We are keen to hear the views of local residents, cyclists, dog walkers, volunteers and community organisations to help us to ensure that we set a suitably ambitious but achievable strategy; one which meets the needs and expectations of our residents and visitors.
“We have identified a range of initiatives we believe would further improve and enhance our parks and green spaces for everyone in our communities to enjoy and it’s really important that people tell us what they think of our proposals and let us know if we are focusing on the right things.”
The Council would like to hear from anyone who has an interest in our parks and the development of this strategy. The consultation will be live until midnight on 8 September. Click here to view the draft strategy and have your say.
All responses will be analysed and considered by the Council in developing the draft strategy further. The feedback provided will help WNC to develop an updated version of the Parks Development Strategy and accompanying action plan. Once finalised, these will be presented to the Council’s Cabinet in November 2024, with the final strategy to be published in 2025.
Contact Information
West Northamptonshire Council Communications Team
communications@westnorthants.gov.uk
Local Area Partnerships – Update
/in General News /by ClerkThe whole of Northamptonshire is divided into “Local Area Partnerships (LAPs)”, which predominantly focus on health and wellbeing. There are 7 LAPs in North Northamptonshire and 9 in West Northamptonshire Council. The LAPs “bring together many local organisations to ensure health and care services are better co-ordinated and focused on the needs of each area they serve. By working together with each other and with local communities we can design services that really make a difference, to help you, your family, and your neighbourhood, live your best life.” You’ll find all the details for the North LAPs at https://vcse-ics.co.uk/north-northamptonshire and for the West LAPs at https://westnorthantsliveyourbestlife.uk. Visit the websites to find out which LAP your council sits in and how you can get involved.
Maidwell sits under Rural North – https://westnorthantsliveyourbestlife.uk/rural-north/
Parish Magazine News – July/August 2024
/in General News /by ClerkNews from Maidwell – July/August 2024
Church Services
7 July Family Service – Pet Service 11:00 am
21 July Holy Communion 11:00 am
18 August Holy Communion 11.00am
1 September Family Service 11.00am
Come and join us for the pet service – any (reasonable) animal welcome. Refreshments after the service.
The family service is for all the benefice and beyond – the more families the better.
The Open Gardens on Sunday 19 May raised £561 for charities supported by the National Garden Scheme and £525 for the church. Thank you again to all who came and supported.
The next open gardens will be on Sunday 21 July 10am-5pm.
Save the dates
The annual Ride and Stride (cycle or walk between as many churches in the area as you can – it can be a great family day out) is on Saturday 14 September. Contact Amanda for sponsorship forms – 07707530720.
HARVEST SUPPER 2024
Friday 11 October at 7:30pm. £15.00 cash bar and raffle.
Come and enjoy a great evening in the church.
Help and donations needed.
Wreath and Christmas table decoration making. This will be held between 11-2pm on Saturday 7 December in the church. All wreath bases and greenery will be supplied and if you would like to add your own baubles, decorations etc., please bring them.
A light lunch and drink will be supplied. Prices from £15-35, depending on size of wreath or table decoration. Please let Amanda know if you can come – 07707530720.
The Mosaic chamber choir will be coming to perform a wonderful selection of music in the church in December- date to be confirmed. £10 per person. Drinks and nibbles will be served. Tickets from Amanda – 07707530720.
The Loder Hall
The Loder Hall is available for hire at £10 for the first hour and £5 per hour thereafter.
The hall is approximately 10m x 5m with a small kitchen (NOT compliant with food preparation regulations), equipped with an electric hob, fridge, microwave and warming oven.
We also have a good selection of crockery, cutlery and glasses which, along with tables and chairs, can be hired out separately.
There is a secure outside area ideal for summer parties with direct access to the Maidwell recreation field.
Contact Ann on 01604 686967 or 07939 124521 or annrabjohn1@gmail.com.
Parish Council
Defibrillators
You will all be able to see the new defibrillator on the front of the Loder Hall. Both this device and the new one in Draughton are registered on The Circuit, allowing the Ambulance Service to direct callers to them in the event of an emergency. It is great to have the devices in both villages installed now and the Parish Council are delighted to have provided some of the funds for these valuable assets.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 July at 7.30pm. All residents are more than welcome to attend
Maidwell-being
Our last meeting was on Saturday 8 June and we were joined by Keith, who is a volunteer with the “Friends of Brampton Valley Way and Brixworth Country Park”. He shared a lot of ways the volunteers keep both places safe and looking good. They are always looking for more volunteers. If interested please email at hellobvw@gmail.com or find the group on Facebook.
Rita the Refill Van joined us too.
We will not be meeting for July or August and will resume on 14 September. We will have a representative from the West Northants Sustainability Team with information and the “How Bad Are Bananas?” game.
Don’t forget the recycling bins just inside the gate at the Loder Hall.
Contacts: Amanda (07707 530720), Lynne (07785 790265), Paul (07710 096590), Mary (07703 291169) and Fiona (07903 137219)
Maidwell Wombles
A big THANK YOU to all those who wombled in June – Amanda, Andrew S, Colin and Fiona. They collected 8 bags of rubbish – well done to all!
If you would like to join us, even if just for one session a year, it would help enormously – please contact Colin on 07771 806094.
The forthcoming dates (weather permitting) are: Saturday 13 July (9am), Saturday 3 August (9am), Saturday 6 September (10am), Saturday 5 October (9am), Saturday 2 November (9am) and Friday 6 December (9am).
Maidwell Primary School
We are well into our Summer term now, with our SATs behind us and firmly looking forward to our summer activities. Over the next few weeks we will be enjoying sports day, shuffle-up days (when we meet our new class & teacher for next year), our musical production of Peter Pan and our residential for the children in Key Stage 2.
The summer weather (when it is dry!) allows us to make greater use of our outdoor facilities with lunchtimes on the field and lessons outdoors.
Over this year we have been working closely with our friends at Walgrave Primary and Pitsford Primary and during this term we will also continue to build our ties with them.
All the Maidwell news above can also be viewed on the Maidwell with Draughton website: https://maidwellwithdraughtonparishcouncil.gov.uk/